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Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 (2005-2010) reliability

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 built around 2010: fails its MOT more often than average

Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 models built around 2010 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS C219?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

25% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 models built around 2010 involves the tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLS C219
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2005-2010SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,279 tests of CLS models registered 2005-2010.

About 1 in 12 CLS C219 MOTs (8.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,344 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 CLS C219 MOTs (10%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 1,344 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

C219 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
56928.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,34425.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,17925.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,80624.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,60225.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,28622.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
49323.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 14 years old.

How the CLS C219 compares

At each age below, see how the CLS C219 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 57,644 tests across 15 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMercedes-Benz average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
56928.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,34425.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,17925.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,80624.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,60225.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,28622.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
49323.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CLS C219.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.7%, against 25.2% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219, both built around 2010.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,466 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 22.0%, against 25.2% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219, both built around 2010.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,381 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 6.5%, against 10.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219.

    3,651 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 6.9%, against 10.0% for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,472 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

83%of all Mercedes-Benz CLS cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

53 recalls in all

8 of the 53 CLS C219 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 recalls

Top concerns

  • On affected vehicles the aluminium bolts of the steering gear could corrode and break due to the intrusion of moisture.
  • The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame might not meet specifications.
  • Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on CLS C219 cars built around 2010

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 165 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
69%
Emissions
24%
Steering
7%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Tyres
73%
Brakes
58%
Lighting
41%
How CLS C219 cars have aged

How CLS C219 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (1,031 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (993 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (899 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (802 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (696 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (945 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (861 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (770 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (696 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (580 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (1,516 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (1,414 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (1,250 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,117 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (919 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (1,721 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (1,520 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,300 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (1,121 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (928 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (1,534 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (1,330 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (1,142 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (925 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (748 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (791 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (702 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (613 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (572 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (493 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as C219 cars age

How each part holds up as C219 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension69%68%65%68%
Brakes58%48%50%40%
Emissions24%18%20%25%
Tyres73%71%71%69%
Lighting41%35%36%38%
Drivetrain1%2%No figureNo figure
Steering7%2%2%2%
Corrosion2%2%1%3%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 65 to 229 cars at each age.

C219 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz CLS models of this age

This list covers every Mercedes-Benz CLS built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the C219 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.4%
    Advisory: 449Fail: 51 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    21.4%
    Advisory: 405Fail: 62 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.6%
    Advisory: 288Fail: 76 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    17.2%
    Advisory: 235Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.0%
    Advisory: 142Fail: 67 (32% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,344 tests

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz CLS C219?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 (2005-2010) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,344 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 8,279 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz CLS models first registered between 2005-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.